Facilities

In 2003, the New York City Department of Education opened district facilities up to charter schools for the first time ever. While a majority of New York charter schools are currently co-located with district schools in public facilities, many charters have to divert operating dollars to pay for private facilities. In 2014, state law changed how New York City charter schools are provided with facilities, including a new opportunity for rental assistance.

On April 1, 2014, New York State lawmakers approved a package of legislation that changed how New York City charter schools are provided with facilities. These laws allow new or expanding charter schools to request space in city-owned buildings through a process called co-location (two or more public schools sharing space in one building). If the city determines that space is not available in the district where the charter school will be operating, it must provide rental assistance for the school to pay for a private facility.